I woke up this morning and on the radio was a story about a marine that allegedly abducted a minor. First of all, he is not a marine that went AWOL as the piece suggests. He’s a former marine and what does that have to do with anything? In the sniper attacks around Washington, DC the news made a point of noting that one of the alleged (my law professor would be so proud) snipers had been in the military. That is very relevant because it helps the public understand where that individual got his training. This guy’s former service with the armed forces isn’t relevant. It seems when citizens cross the line if there is any experience in the government or church it is unnecessarily noted. When was the last time you heard so and so was arrested for this and that and worked for [insert some public company]?
I do not have any children at present but if I did as my parents did before me I would know who their friends are, who they corresponding with and where they are. Before you flame me I am not blaming the minor nor the parents, but I am questioning how a 31-year-old man can be in correspondence with a 12-year-old child for well over a year! It seems to me that the burden is on the parents. Not only should they educate their children on the ways to be safe physically but also mentor their charges on how to be safe in cyber land.
And another thing …lying about your age and trying to be something that you are not is more trouble than its worth. If you are in the chat room and saying that you are 19 or 20 years old and you’re not that is just plain mean. The only guys that want to talk to children are the ones that will leave an irreversible scar in your nightmares or worse. They are the bad guys. The boogie man incarnate.
If you are a parent take heed. Spending a few minutes a day talking to your children will save you a lot of heartache down the road which can lead to unwanted pregnancies, drugs and death. Think about it IF given the opportunity to grow up where do the boogie man’s victims go?
Guys if you are online chatting with a hottie most of the time she is not going to be like this case – underage. The biggest lie involves a chick that says she weighs 100 lbs but you really need to multiply that by 3. Sending pictures doesn’t work either because photos can be bought. This is what you should do. If you are serious about meeting, like this guy who flew from Michigan to the UK, corresponds via a webcam. A web cam doesn’t lie. If there are other things about the lady that doesn’t smell right ask another woman. We’re hip to each other’s games.
Cheryl
Ground in Reality, 1-888-669-6389